All righty friends, I arrive in Sydney on Tuesday and I start my volunteering on Friday. Thursday is “Australia Day” (celebration is similar to the States 4th of July) which means there will plenty of food, music and entertainment for my stimulation… Woohoo! Beyond that, I would love your help with what else to do… All suggestions are appreciated!
Today was a layed back day of people watching, beach absorbing and a picnic. I started out at St.Kilda, a popular stretch that actually reminded me a lot of Southern California (except with more faux hawks and cool accents). I was shown around by a new friend that I had met during the playoff game last weekend. His story? Tate is from California and was actually working in Folsom (weird, I know). He decided that there had to be more out there so he’s now bar-tending on the beach in Australia while he figures out his next step (enter the “i don’t really feel sorry for you” face here). He’s beheron this area for a bit so with easy conversation, he pointed out some hot spots and lead the way towards the beach. It was extremely hot which is the reason this van-o-cold-goodness was parked right out front.
This was the not so populated side away from the shops and main beach.
Tate left for work and I met up with the girls for dinner and the drive home… Hmmm, why eat inside when it’s such a vibrant day? To the park we went!
Quick fashion note: I wore a cut off denim skirt so the wind couldn’t catch and give everyone a show (as if there wasn’t enough on the beach already) paired with a light fun t-shirt over the bikini top for color and comfort.
It’s been entertaining to see where the girls have gone out this week. Here’s a quick cap:
This was Chelsea’s birthday dinner at one of the top rated Mexican restaurant in Melbourne called “Gringo Vibes”. The owner came from San Francisco over 10 years ago and opened up shop. With decent prices (for Australia) and yummy food, it was a scrumptious touch of familiar for me. Thanks Ben! www.gringovibes.com
The girls were taken back by my “bazaar” order of fish tacos. “Fish on a taco?! That’s just weird.” They were also totally amused with the Corona bottle salt and pepper shakers. Below is the cheapest beer I’ve found so far (price is per can) and the trusty “Tapatio” had never been heard of at our table. “Wow! That’s good… What is it?”
Next was a Hawaiian Tiki lounge called “Luwow”. (Anyone else think it’s ironic that I fly half way around the planet to a brand new country and have Mexican followed by Hawaiian?) Makes me laugh. I will say it was absolutely entertaining to again watch the girls with their new findings. From the flowered shirts and beach decor to the drink menu that had our typical Rum drinks (for $20)… it was all Hawaii. www.theluwow.com
These finger puppets came in the umbrella drinks… Clever.
Finally, 4 guys walk into a bar… 2 Irish, 1 Turkish and a Dutchman. Can you tell who’s who?
We took a walk around the city, saw neat sights and some cool random finds.
This one stood out to me (my grandfathers sir name is “Young” and my grams’s is “Jackson”.
Random! It was just sitting there, made me smile…
Chelsea took me to this beautiful place to “have a sit”.
Took a road trip to the beach! This one had calm waters, minimal people and a view of the city. The sun quickly warms you up from the inside out and then (without any gentle heads up) it pierces your skin with a flash of heat! Note to self: when ALL of the locals tell you to wear high power sunblock… Listen.
These next two pics are dedicated to the amazing group of gymnasts that I had the pleasure of coaching for so many memorable years. How could I be outside with open ground and NOT go upside down?!
On the way back we stopped at the winery “Jack Rabbit” in Bellarine Peninsula. Instead of saying this whole day has been breath taking… I’m going to say it has allowed for many deep breaths.
I got a lovely surprise from Bridget (the gorgeous lady i was sitting roof top with in “First day in Australia”) that we got tickets to the Australian Open. I didn’t really know what to expect, I was just so excited to do something new! As we approached the venue I saw several outside courts with crowds of people intensly watching. We kept walking towards this huge arena that was titled “Rod Laver”.
I had no idea that when she said “tickets” she meant we would be sitting mid section, half court (50 yard line if you will) for the main events!
We got to watch Tommy Hass from Germany (wearing white) against the #2 ranked in the world, Rafael Nadal from Spain (in the green).
Aussies like hats.
I like Nadal.
There’s a new craze hitting Australia (or at least Melbourne) in which people gather around and knit. You really don’t see them doing it, so I’m assuming it’s a late night or early morning process. Chelsea said she saw them once and they were literally sitting in a circle chatting while just knitting away. Love it! The city has adopted the idea and let’s it be, from street signs to park benches, trees, chairs and so on.
Since my flatmate fractured her rib (enter sad, pain filled, sympathetic face here) she has been limited on the extent of major movement. We decided to go on a walk to at least get her up and out, found a park along the way and you guessed it… A gym!
I’m just going to start with my favorite workout, laughter! The smiles on these kids were priceless! We were supposed to be hanging like monkeys which is the reason I look like I’m scratching myself, but I’m just thankful they all held on.
Personal thanks to the open minded parents (hiding behind the kids) who allowed their children to brighten my day!
I was stoked to find two bars that I could hook my feet for this tummy tightening move. I slowly lowered my torso to a horizontal position and held… Repeat several times or until you hear the parents whispering “No sweetie, that’s danger danger”.
No legged pole climb. Ultimate goal is to start sitting on the ground in a pike and pull from there till you reach the top.
Good ol’ lunges.
The lower guts must be stimulated too!
Look mom… No legs!
PS: 45 minutes in an Australian park during sunlight will give you an incredible tan line.
I was honored to be invited to have a day with Chelsea and her family in the quaint waterside town of PortarLington, host of the annual “Mussel Festival”! There was great food, live music and some creative characters (see man and woman rowing a boat down the path).
This group stopped me in my tracks. I was extremely impressed with their unique sound created by a tribal(ish) beat and soothing harmony.
Back at home Chelseas mum made me some homemade tea using raw ginger, lemon and local honey from a mason jar. (I’m sure some of you do this as well, it just seemed extra special with her gentle accent and the desire to make it perfect for me).
This is Juel showing off his yo-yo skills. Explanation not necessary. Please just notice his super power hat… Jealous? Me too.
After supper we went for a walk to watch the sun go down. What a view! After moments of confusion as I searched for the “tall sheep”, I finally saw what they were all talking about.
We took Chelsea’s dog for a walk and thought I’d get a couple of quick workouts in… no animals were harmed in the making of this post.
Found the perfect height for some other quickies along the way.
Side note, I’m wearing loose jeans, flip flops with a hoodie. Added the scarf for warmth and a contrasting color. No fashion statements…. Just clothes.
Her Happy Trails 